WWII Underwood Universal Winding M1 Carbine Semi-Auto Rifle C&R 1943-1944

SOLD FOR: $1,034.00

LSB#: LSB250717SW004

Make: Underwood

Model: M1 Carbine

Serial Number: 2459248

Year of Manufacture: July 1943-February 1944, Barrel date 11-1943 

Caliber: .30 Cal 

Action Type: Semi Automatic rifle fed by Detachable Magazines.

Markings: 

The top-rear of the receiver is marked “UNDERWOOD / 2459248 / W” with a faint flaming bomb stamp. The “W” stamp over the flaming bomb would denote a sub-contracted receiver code for Universal Winding.    

The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE”, “CAL .30 M1”. 

The barrel is marked “UNDERWOOD 11-43” with a flaming bomb. There is a faint “P” about 2.25” back from the front sight. The right side of the gas block has a “3”.     

The barrel band is marked “AMCO”. 

The front sight is unmarked 

The rear sight is marked Shield “H”-Hemphill MFG. Co.  

The trigger group: is marked “INLAND” for Inland Division of GM

The magazine release button is marked “M” and “HI” for Hillerich Machine Company.

The hammer is marked “HI” for Hillerich Machine Company.

The Safety is marked “SS” a post war rebuild part.  

The slide is marked “N 5” a National Postal Meter Slide.

The bolt is marked “C.U.” for Underwood 

The stock is unmarked

The lug is unmarked

The upper handguard is unmarked 

The oiler is unmarked 

Barrel Length: 18”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a simple blade set between protective wings and the rear sight is a late style sliding aperture sight with knurled adjustment knob dovetailed to the receiver.   

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock on this rifle is an Oval cut, low wood stock with a two rivet handguard, a type 3 barrel band with bayonet lug, and a later style rotary safety. The LOP is 13” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The wood shows finish cracking, with lines, compressions, nicks, scrapes and chips throughout. There are notable chips around the nose, sling cut and pommel. The butt plate has lost most of its finish and now shows rust. There is a small crack forming behind the lug. Overall the stock is in Fair+ to Good condition.     

Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes two x 30 round magazines and one 15 round magazine all in Like New condition.    

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality:  Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no visible erosion/pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9./10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains 94% of its refinished finish. There is very minimal finish loss on the friction surfaces of the bolt and receiver. The receiver shows the majority of the finish loss as if the barrel was refinished and the receiver was not. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are mostly clear. The slide is missing the slide catch. Overall this rifle is in Fair-Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly with the exception of the missing slide catch. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:  This rifle includes the magazines and a green canvas sling.  

Our Assessment: This Underwood M1 Carbine, manufactured in late 1943, features an 11-43 dated Underwood barrel and a distinctive “W” stamped over a flaming bomb bevel mark, indicating a rare subcontracted receiver by Universal Winding Company. The rifle combines parts from multiple trusted sources, including a National Postal Meter slide, an Inland Division trigger group, and an Underwood bolt, reflecting the wartime practice of mixing quality components to meet production demands. Its configuration represents both the standard M1 Carbine design and the unique subcontractor markings that make it notable among collectors.

The carbine maintains the original World War II-era configuration with correct military specifications, including a fixed stock and standard military sights. Its combination of a rare Universal Winding receiver, quality Underwood barrel, and components from National Postal Meter and Inland Division provides a compelling example of wartime manufacturing adaptability. This piece is significant both as a functional firearm and as a collectible due to its rare receiver marking and the blending of components from prominent wartime manufacturers. To better understand this M1 carbine please see our high quality photos Via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.